What is the Difference Between Cervical Radiculopathy and Myelopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy are two distinct spinal conditions that can exhibit similar symptoms but have different causes and affect different structures in the neck.

Cervical Myelopathy:

Results from the compression or injury of the spinal cord within the neck.
Caused by narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to disc herniation, spondylosis, or congenital stenosis.
Symptoms include loss of function in upper and lower extremities, such as arms, hands, legs, and bowel and bladder function.
Other symptoms include decreased manual dexterity and an unsteady gait.

Cervical Radiculopathy:

Affects the nerve roots in the cervical spine, often referred to as a "pinched nerve".
Occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated.
Caused by degenerative changes in the spine, such as disc degeneration, bone spurs, or joint degeneration, which may press against the nerve root.
Symptoms include pain that radiates into the shoulder, muscle weakness, and numbness that travels down the arm and into the hand.

In summary, the main difference between cervical radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy is that cervical myelopathy affects the spinal cord, while cervical radiculopathy affects the nerve roots in the cervical spine. Both conditions can cause similar symptoms, such as pain, numbness, and weakness, but their causes and effects on the spine are distinct.

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What is the Difference Between Cervical Radiculopathy and Myelopathy?

Comparative Table: Cervical Radiculopathy vs Myelopathy

Cervical radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy are both conditions related to the compression of spinal cord structures, but they have distinct differences in their manifestations and effects on the body. Here is a table comparing the two:

Feature	Cervical Radiculopathy	Cervical Myelopathy
Definition	Compression or irritation of a cervical nerve root, causing pain, weakness, and sensory loss in the neck and upper extremities.	Spinal cord dysfunction due to compression, resulting in functional loss in the upper and lower extremities, as well as bowel and bladder function.
Symptoms	Neck pain, arm pain, sensory deficits, motor dysfunction, and reflex changes according to the dermatomal distribution.	Symptoms may include spasticity, weakness in the lower limbs, "numb and clumsy" hands, gait disturbance, and bowel or bladder problems.
Causes	Common causes include cervical disc herniation, foraminal narrowing, and other lesions affecting the nerve root.	Causes of cervical myelopathy include spinal stenosis, osteophyte formation, and degenerative disc disease.
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis based on patient's medical history and physical examination, verified by radiographs or supported by surgical results.	Diagnosis involves a thorough clinical assessment, imaging studies, and possibly discussion with the on-call spinal or orthopedic team for urgent cases.
Treatment	Treatment options may include conservative management (e.g., physical therapy, medication) or surgery, depending on the severity and progression of symptoms.	Treatment options may also involve conservative management or surgery, depending on the severity and progression of symptoms.

In summary, cervical radiculopathy is characterized by neurological dysfunction caused by compression or irritation of a cervical nerve root, resulting in symptoms primarily in the neck and upper extremities. In contrast, cervical myelopathy is characterized by spinal cord dysfunction due to compression, leading to symptoms in both the upper and lower extremities, as well as bowel and bladder function.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.